Gas prices hold steady for holiday travel

<strong> Politicians can directly impact gasoline prices: </strong> This has been one of the more debated misconceptions. Crude oil prices make up the bulk of gasoline prices, and crude oil prices are set by the global market. Politicians can impact gasoline prices indirectly, but there is little direct impact they can have. less

<strong> Politicians can directly impact gasoline prices: </strong> This has been one of the more debated misconceptions. Crude oil prices make up the bulk of gasoline prices, and crude oil prices are set by ... more

Photo: Haraz N. Ghanbari / Associated Press

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<strong> Gas stations make a huge profit off gasoline: </strong> Many drivers unfairly believe that gas stations are raking in huge profits on gasoline sales. In fact, it’s the opposite. Gas stations make cents on the dollar. less

<strong> Gas stations make a huge profit off gasoline: </strong> Many drivers unfairly believe that gas stations are raking in huge profits on gasoline sales. In fact, it’s the opposite. Gas stations make ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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<strong> Get gas in the morning: </strong> This myth really depends on where you live. Gasoline does expand as it warms, meaning you get less gasoline volume when it’s warm. In most places, this isn’t a concern, but Texas is a different story. You might get a few extra drops of gasoline by buying in the morning. less

<strong> Get gas in the morning: </strong> This myth really depends on where you live. Gasoline does expand as it warms, meaning you get less gasoline volume when it’s warm. In most places, this isn’t a ... more

Photo: Don Ryan / AP

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<strong> Tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve could lower prices: </strong> This is obviously not true. President Barack Obama tapped the reserve, and drivers barely noticed a difference.

<strong> Tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve could lower prices: </strong> This is obviously not true. President Barack Obama tapped the reserve, and drivers barely noticed a difference.

Photo: E. Joseph Deering / Houston Chronicle

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<strong> Oil companies produce less in the spring: </strong> During the spring months, consumers usually see an increase in the price of gasoline. However, it isn’t because oil companies are reducing production. The increase usually happens because refineries are switching from winter to summer blends and tighter supply due to refinery maintenance. less

<strong> Oil companies produce less in the spring: </strong> During the spring months, consumers usually see an increase in the price of gasoline. However, it isn’t because oil companies are reducing ... more

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<strong> Turn off the air conditioner, roll down the windows: </strong> It’s a popular myth that you can save fuel by turning off the air conditioner and rolling down the windows on the freeway. Sadly, there isn’t much of a saving in doing it. However, you can see a fuel savings by turning off your air conditioner and keeping your windows up. less

<strong> Turn off the air conditioner, roll down the windows: </strong> It’s a popular myth that you can save fuel by turning off the air conditioner and rolling down the windows on the freeway. Sadly, there ... more

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<strong> Overinflating your tires: </strong> Some people claim overinflating your tires can help save your money by improve the rolling resistance of the car, but it doesn’t hold up when tested. Overinflating your tires gives you a bumpier ride and a very minimum increase in fuel economy. less

<strong> Overinflating your tires: </strong> Some people claim overinflating your tires can help save your money by improve the rolling resistance of the car, but it doesn’t hold up when tested. ... more

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<strong> Gas savings products increase gas mileage: </strong> Some products do help improve gas mileage, but a bulk of them don’t do what they say. The Federal Trade Commission tested more than 100 devices and found 25 percent didn’t improve gas mileage. A few even damaged the engines. less

<strong> Gas savings products increase gas mileage: </strong> Some products do help improve gas mileage, but a bulk of them don’t do what they say. The Federal Trade Commission tested more than 100 devices ... more

Photo: Improbcat / Flickr

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Gas prices hold steady for holiday travel

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Just in time for the holiday weekend, gasoline prices in Houston and most of the rest of the state were holding steady Friday.

They were up slightly from last week, but well below the prices motorists are paying in the Midwest and even in the Texas Panhandle.

Nationally, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the average retail price of regular gasoline increased seven cents this week, the second consecutive week that the price of gas increased, to $3.67 per gallon.

Prices were highest in the Midwest, where the price increased 19 cents, to $3.87 per gallon.

Prices rose 11 cents in the Rocky Mountain region, to $3.67 per gallon.

On the West Coast, prices rose a penny, to $3.95, while prices also increased one cent along the East Coast, to $3.49.